Sha Tin Track Spy, May 17

Races first-up for leading trainer Ricky Yiu after six unplaced runs with Frankie Lor, including a start in the Derby, in which he finished down the track in 10th. However, he raced wide without cover from the 1200m that day, so was entitled to drop as he did.

Prior to that, he did put in some okay runs, but the manner in which he has trialled in blinkers after the stable change, which he wears for the first time on race day here, suggests he’s ready to go close to winning.

Race 9 Number 9 KA YING EXCELLENT

Generally races on pace, but began awkwardly last start and settled well back in running, in which the lead speed of the race was run at four lengths below average. KA YING EXCELLENT defied the race shape to make up a stack of ground from the rear for a big performance.

He looked super in a recent trial and despite rising to Class 3 here, he has shown the class to measure up.

Sectional Time Stars

Race 3 Number 6 JUDY’S STAR

Only a three-year-old who hasn’t raced with much luck in recent starts: punted into favouritism two starts ago, reared at the start and dashed strongly home into sixth, before getting well back early again most recently but flashing home well late although racing tight late into fifth. A win is near.

Race 5 Number 6 CHEVALIER PRINCE

Has his second race start here after a fast finishing run on debut 35 days ago with the jockey questioned regarding his riding of the three-year-old: of the 730-word stewards’ report, 549 words were devoted to the questioning of the ride. The stewards were of the opinion that the jockey had the opportunity to place CHEVALIER PRINCE under more pressure than he did, so he arguably could have gone closer than 1 1/2 lengths he missed by. He has trialled very well since the debut run, gets Purton on board and looks a progressive sort to follow.